Donald Trump orders Oval Office makeover

A major refurbishment is under way in the White House, ordered by US President Donald Trump while he takes an extended holiday.

Armchairs, carpets, tables and even the famous Resolute Desk occupied by generations of powerful world leaders have all been stripped out.

The Oval Office and Situation Room, where the US President meets aides in times of crisis, as well as other offices in the West Wing are among areas being redecorated.

Mr Trump has decamped to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for a "working vacation". His advisers have temporarily moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building - adjacent to the White House.

The main goal of this summer's work is to update the creaking heating and air conditioning system, which is 27 years old.

All of the carpeting in the West Wing is to be replaced - at a cost of $1.17m (£903,800). A fresh coat of paint will add another $275,000 (£212,000) to the bill.

The expenses are inline with those incurred at the orders of previous presidents, the government department overseeing renovations said.

The White House, which was rebuilt after being torched by the UK during the War of 1812, has undergone numerous rounds of renovations.

Until the start of the 20th century, the president worked from the second floor of the house, where they lived with their family.

In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt created what would later become the famous West Wing.